What is a Lipid Panel ?
So your doctor ordered a lipid panel as part of your blood tests. What do you need to know? My name is Elisabeth, the head nurse of Genexia Health, and I have been doing blood tests for over 20 years. I’m here to help you understand this common and useful test.
What are Lipids?
Lipids are a type of fat that are found in your blood and body tissues. They are important for many functions, such as making hormones, storing energy, and building cell membranes. However, too much or too little of certain lipids can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
What is a Lipid Panel?
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of four types of lipids in your blood:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that helps make hormones and vitamin D. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, and it is the “good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, and it is the “bad” cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and cause blockages. Triglycerides are another type of fat that can be used for energy or stored in your body.
Depending on your age, health condition, and risk factors, your doctor may recommend a lipid panel as part of a routine check up or to monitor your response to medication or lifestyle changes. A lipid panel can help diagnose or prevent conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome or coronary artery disease.
Before collecting your sample
Before you take a lipid panel, you may need to fast for 12 hours. This means you should not eat or drink anything except water during this time. That includes no coffee!! Fasting helps ensure accurate results by avoiding the effects of food or beverages on your lipid levels. You should also inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some of them may affect your lipid levels or interfere with the test.
Collecting the sample
The test itself is very simple and quick. You don’t even need to go to a lab or a clinic. At Genexia Health, we offer at home blood tests that are convenient, safe and affordable. All you need to do is book an appointment by email or by phone, and one of our friendly and professional nurses will come to your home at the scheduled time. We will collect a small sample of blood using a sterile needle and a vial. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes, and you can start sipping on your coffee right away.
We will send your blood sample to our accredited laboratory for analysis, and you will receive your results within 24 business hours via email. Your results will show the levels of each type of lipid in your blood.. You will also see a reference range that indicates the normal or desirable levels for each lipid.
Results of the lipid panel
If your results are within the normal range, congratulations! You have healthy lipid levels that protect your heart and blood vessels. Keep up the good work by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
If your results are above or below the normal range, don’t panic! It doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious condition or need medication. It just means you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle or consult with your doctor about other options. For example, if your total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol is high, you may need to reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol from animal products. If your HDL cholesterol is low, you may need to increase your physical activity, lose weight if you are overweight, or quit smoking if you smoke. If your triglycerides are high, you may need to limit your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.
Remember, a lipid panel is not a definitive diagnosis. It is only one piece of information that helps you and your doctor assess your overall health and risk factors. You should always follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations based on your individual situation.
I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about what a lipid panel is and why it is important for your health. If you have any questions or concerns about this test or any other at home blood test we offer at Genexia Health, please feel free to contact us anytime by phone (514) 396-9022 or by email [email protected]. We are here to help you take charge of your health from the comfort of your home.
